Burglar jailed after beating and gagging pensioner, 86, and leaving her to die

Vasile Culea, 34, was jailed for 34 years at Derby Crown Court this morning after beating, gagging and tying up Freda Walker at her home before leaving her to die

A “savage” burglar has been jailed for 34 years for murdering an 87-year-old in her home after beating, gagging and tying up the pensioner, before abandoning her to die.

Vasile Culea, 34, was also convicted of the wounding with intent of Freda Walker’s 88-year-old husband, former district councillor and alderman Kenneth Walker, on January 14 during the attack inside their Derbyshire home.

He “hog-tied” Mr and Mrs Walker, binding their hands and feet while searching the couple’s Langwith Junction home for £30,000 in cash, which he had heard they had.

On Friday, judge Mr Justice Henshaw, sentencing, told Derby Crown Court: “You attacked them both leaving them with brain injuries, lacerations and many other injuries.